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Consolation of Philosophy

Boethius, tr. “I.T.”, rev. Stewart, 1918

Book 3, 11. Poem 11

He that would seek the truth with thoughts profound
And would not stray in ways that are not right,
He to himself must turn his inward sight,
And guide his motions in a circled round,
Teaching his mind that ever she design
Herself in her own treasures to possess:
So that which late lay hidden in cloudiness
More bright and clear than Phoebus’ beams shall shine.
Flesh hath not quenchéd all the spirit’s light,
Though this oblivion’s lump holds her opprest.
Some seed of truth remaineth in our breast,
Which skilful learning eas’ly doth excite.
For being askt how can we answer true
Unless that grace within our hearts did dwell?
If Plato’s heavenly muse the truth us tell,
We learning things remember them anew.”